Thrilling Stars Nite as Sandalwood Performers Shine in Dubai
By Denzil Fernandes
Pics: Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Apr 12: The high end expectations of the crowd that came to witness the Ujala Stiff & Shine Stars Nite at the Al Nasr Leisureland was not without reason. With at least 30 various artistes billed to appear on stage, the lovers of sandalwood entertainment were keen to witness top quality stuff. Spearheaded by the dashing Darshan and his huge array of stars, there was action from the word ‘go’ and not a single minute was left without giving the crowd to cheer in appreciation. When Darshan is in his element, he is a bundle of joy and excitement indeed. Coupled with his good looks and movements, Darshan is every inch a full fledged cinema star born to perform and excel.
Despite the delayed start, the overall show highlighted all about the sandalwood world. Most of the dance cum song sequences were well enacted with fine coordination. Talented singers Chinmaya and Chaitra entertained the goodly holiday crowd with their fine selection of popular songs. The quality performance given by almost all the stars gave the crowd their money’s worth and the little children too had plenty to shake their legs in between.
Surely, the dancers came with a lot of homework and the choreography was good if not extra ordinary. Almost everything one sees on the sandalwood screens was re enacted on the Dubai stage and the magic of the Bangalorean artistes was indeed a treat to watch. The lighting effects were brilliant and the entire stage set up resembled a true Karnataka homeland. One has to surely agree that the Bangalorean stars arrived with a lot of preparations and hard work at home to provide the Dubai audiences some fine fare. Without doubt, Darshan walked away with most of the accolades even though the up and coming teenagers in Chinmaya and Chaitra too caught one’s eye with their superb singing.
The show began with a couple of specially dressed Karnataka Policemen moving around in the hall which gave the crowd something to roar and be amused. The President of the Karnataka Sangha, Dubai, Mr. C.R. Shetty, welcomed the gathering and the artistes at the start. Tall singer Chaitanya appearing in a beautiful gold coloured outfit took off with a melodious song and started the evening’s action. This was followed by a beautiful dance where ashmita shone with 7 other dancers in yellow and black matching costumes. The kobri mithai dance where Digant and Nitu performed with 4 pairs in pink outfits later was yet another eye pleasing dance act.
The ‘challenging star’ from sandalwood, Darshan zoomed in style with a bevy of supporting dancers to be greeted by the cheering crowd. Anu, yet another popular performer was on a Dubai stage after a gap of 3 years and enjoyed every minute. In between, there were solos and duets by the talented Chaitanya and Chaitra. One may add that Chaitra impressed with her lovely singing that went along like some of Asha Bhosle’s catchy numbers.
The Karnataka Sangha honoured the various sponsors and supporters of the show with mementoes just as the show was beginning to wind up. The multi talented Vijay Raghavan also danced with amazing grace and caught the eye. But the biggest cheers were reserved for youngster Tarun who was fascinating with his dance number. Compere Dilip Raj who kept the crowd on their toes with his wit and humour also danced at the end. Darshan was generous in his praise for the Dubai crowd as he wound up the show with his thanks.
With such a huge star cast, the fare dished out was on expected lines if one may say so. The efforts were there to be seen especially by the first timers who tried to impress the Dubai music lovers. With a star like Darshan in front, the others were relying on his lead and rightly so. This was a huge opportunity for Bangalore’s talented stars to make an impression on the Dubai music scene. The great international outing will help the artistes to find their way to other destinations without any doubt.
At the end, the Karnataka Sangha committee headed by C.R.Shetty deserves credit for initiating such a huge effort especially during their silver jubilee year. One hopes that more quality offerings are in store in the times ahead. The show was hugely supported by Zee Kannada apart from other sponsors including Kushi Builders of Bangalore.